Kissies for Februrary

There is no point in denying February’s charm thanks to the accessibility of boxed chocolate, the abundance of hearts printed or placed on everything, and all the pink. Unless you’re anti-valentines day and if so, why? Actually, don’t tell me because I’m too busy making heart doilies out of construction paper and rereading Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine. It is the second month of the year. Which, I’m realizing now, is maybe only exciting if your favorite number is also two. Punxsutawney Phil declared more winter and who isn’t favor of more winter (besides those who are actually affected by winter, sorry guys). Everyone has settled into some of their new routines following January and are welcome, but not encouraged enough, to make even more. Lena Dunham is on the cover of this month’s Vogue issue (so what if Kanye doesn’t like it). People apparently get really into the Super Bowl. Presidents day (nerd alert) falls on the third Monday. And, obviously it’s Black History Month so there are really great exhibits, events, etc. going on that a lot of people tend to miss. Because of this, I’ll be sure to keep an eye on the the Avery Research Center calendar.

Because wikipedia exists, I can tell you even more reasons to love the second month. According to the Roman calendar, their Februarius, is named after the latin word meaning “purification”. So really, the entire month should be a good reminder to acknowledge what brings you down and rid yourself from it. It has been called “Kale-monath” in old english and I support any month nicknamed after cabbage. It is National Bird Feeding Month, which is just another excuse to watch my second favorite film The Birds. And, I guess I should mention that the month is short. It knows when to show itself out…which is the best quality ever.

I’m very happy that I started and ended the first day of the month in good company and at an OJ show. Friday was a late night with a rowdy crowd in Murrells Inlet, SC and on Saturday, some of my oldest friends played a show with some of my closest friends in the city I’m just beginning to call home. TJB sounded even better than his Through Porchlight days, Brave Baby was successful yet again in making all the ladies swoon, and Octopus Jones’s dancing is contagious and their music only gets better and better.

On top of the excitement of seeing almost everyone I know crowded in The Royal American, Saturday night I received an email saying my apartment was officially booked and that I’ll be living in Saint Petersburg, Russia this fall. сюрприз! Not even sure where to begin with that news, so instead I’m practicing my Russian more than ever and writing the address over and over.

Thankful for gloomy weather, the valentines window displays downtown, and the departure of a very fun, important, but mostly busy January. Never been happier to see you, Feb.